Macheda explains Rooney comment

08 October 2010 08:50

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Federico Macheda has moved to clarify comments he made about Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney. Macheda used the term 'coatto' to describe the England striker in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport while on Italy Under-21 duty. 'Coatto' has been interpreted in various ways, with some translations using 'chav' as the English equivalent and others 'vulgar and violent'. However, Macheda said there was no criticism intended of the former Everton man. He told Gazzetta: "I said 'coatto' in the Roman way, but with the minimum intention to offend Rooney. "I like him and I have maximum respect for him. "What I wanted to say is that for me he is a free spirit and genuine. "I sent a message to Rio Ferdinand to clarify everything with Wayne and Rio told me not to worry, everything is fine."[LNB]